Dragons off the pace against impressive Rabbitohs

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has no doubt Dylan Walker is a future Origin player, but believes he wouldn't be out of his depth if he earned a shock call up for the Blues for game two.

Walker outshone fellow NSW hopeful Josh Dugan on Monday night, scoring a try and showing off his sublime foot work in South Sydney's 29-10 win against the Dragons at ANZ Stadium.

Walker started the season at five-eighth, but since moving back to the familiar centre position, he has looked far more comfortable.

Growing in stature: Dylan Walker. Photo: Getty Images

He's a specialist right centre, and given Blues coach Laurie Daley is on the lookout for a right centre to replace the injured Josh Morris (knee), Maguire believes Walker wouldn't be out of place.

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"He's definitely improved," Maguire said.

"From the start of the season to where he is now is an enormous improvement. I know he'd do a good job if he had the opportunity. It's just a matter of getting that chance.

"He's definitely going to be a future centre in that arena, without a doubt, the way he's playing. I'm sure if they gave him the chance he'd take it. Dylan's strength is not only his speed with his attack but the way he defends. He's very safe on that side.

Souths skipper John Sutton echoed the sentiments of his coach.

"I think Dylan's been one of our best this season," Sutton said.

"He's come a long way in a short amount of time. If he got a chance I think he'll do really well. He's got speed, he defends really well and he's good with the ball."

If Walker does get a shot at Origin for game two, he'll more than likely mark up against South Sydney teammate Greg Inglis.

"He gets a lot of practice at training so I think he'd be alright," Sutton said.

1 comment so far

Defends better than Will, would debut at the same age as Fitler, Hopoate and be a year older than Ikin - does not lack anything in class.

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